We are considering buying a Princess 32 and replacing our single screw Broom Ocean 30 which has insufficient "grunt" for tidal work.

However, we more on the River Wey (in Surrey) because it is (a) cheap and (b) we like to boat about in muck from time to time and the scenary is great.

We also cruise the Thames of course.

The Ocean 30 is ex hire from the Broads and as such has a canopy with folding screen so it goes under low bridges.

Can any owner advise if it is feasible to convert the Princess 32's wheelhouse to fold down without (a) destroying it or (b) injuring us the Skipper and crew (my kids and their decrepit Dad) in actually folding it down. Has any one done it or knows someone who has and can put me in touch? Thanks a lot.

I havve already been in touch with Clive but am posting here in case I can help anyone else.

I have converted our Princess 32 so that we can pass through a 7' 3" bridge. We moor on the River Wey, although we cruise on the Thames, and access to our mooring is under a very low bridge.

Please contact me if you would like more details.

Dave Seager.

It would be great to see some shots posted here David. We are always interested in what other membersa re up to.

Hi,
I have a princess 32 which dosen't have a hard top wheelhouse. It has a canvas top right the way up to the windscreen. If you would like some photo's taking I will be going down to the boat in the next few weeks. My boat will go on the Nottingham Canal under the low bridges but the canvas has to be taken down. Also she has been through the Glory Hole at Lincoln Bayford basin down to Boston. At times I would love a hard top so I could mount lights and ariels etc on top. I had to sail until 12.30 am one night this year on the Trent against the flow to tie up near newark. That was horrendous. I am having lights fitted next lol.
Mike